Script length calculator
Paste or type a script to see how long it takes to read aloud at a slow, normal and fast pace, and how many words fit a 15, 30, 60 or 90 second video.
Text in [square brackets] isn't counted, so shot notes can stay in.
Running time
- Slow 130 wpm
- 00:3535 seconds
- Normal 150 wpm
- 00:3030 seconds
- Fast 170 wpm
- 00:2626 seconds
At a normal pace this script runs 30 seconds, so it fits a 30-second video exactly.
How the calculation works
Running time is the number of words divided by the speaking rate. In seconds, that's words ÷ words per minute × 60.
Worked example. The example script in the prompter has 75 words. Read at a normal 150 words per minute, it runs 75 ÷ 150 × 60 = 30 seconds. At a slow 130 words per minute it runs 35 seconds, and at a fast 170 words per minute it runs 26 seconds.
Times are rounded to the nearest second. Words are counted the way a word processor counts them, so "twenty-five" is one word. Text inside square brackets, like [END CARD], is left out.
How many words fit in a 15, 30, 60 or 90 second video
| Video length | Slow130 wpm | Normal150 wpm | Fast170 wpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 seconds | 32 words | 37 words | 42 words |
| 30 seconds | 65 words | 75 words | 85 words |
| 60 seconds | 130 words | 150 words | 170 words |
| 90 seconds | 195 words | 225 words | 255 words |
Figures are rounded down so the script fits. If the video ends on a logo or end card, leave two or three seconds for it and take those words off the total.
How long common word counts take to say
For speeches, presentations, podcasts and long voice-overs. At a normal pace, 1,000 words takes about 6 minutes 40 seconds to say.
| Words | Slow130 wpm | Normal150 wpm | Fast170 wpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 23 s | 20 s | 18 s |
| 75 | 35 s | 30 s | 26 s |
| 100 | 46 s | 40 s | 35 s |
| 150 | 1 min 9 s | 1 min | 53 s |
| 200 | 1 min 32 s | 1 min 20 s | 1 min 11 s |
| 250 | 1 min 55 s | 1 min 40 s | 1 min 28 s |
| 300 | 2 min 18 s | 2 min | 1 min 46 s |
| 400 | 3 min 5 s | 2 min 40 s | 2 min 21 s |
| 500 | 3 min 51 s | 3 min 20 s | 2 min 56 s |
| 750 | 5 min 46 s | 5 min | 4 min 25 s |
| 1,000 | 7 min 42 s | 6 min 40 s | 5 min 53 s |
| 1,500 | 11 min 32 s | 10 min | 8 min 49 s |
| 2,000 | 15 min 23 s | 13 min 20 s | 11 min 46 s |
| 2,500 | 19 min 14 s | 16 min 40 s | 14 min 42 s |
| 3,000 | 23 min 5 s | 20 min | 17 min 39 s |
| 5,000 | 38 min 28 s | 33 min 20 s | 29 min 25 s |
Which speaking rate to use
- Slow, 130 words per minute. Explainers, training and corporate video, voice-over with a lot of on-screen text to read, and anyone new to presenting on camera.
- Normal, 150 words per minute. Most presenters, interviews and brand films. This is the rate we plan scripts at.
- Fast, 170 words per minute. Short social ads and energetic reads. Use captions if you go faster than this.
The most accurate check is your own voice. Read the script aloud with a stopwatch, then compare your time with the three readings above.
Writing a script to time
- Write numbers and web addresses the way they're said. "visuallab.com.au" counts as one word on the page and takes seven to say: visual lab dot com dot a u.
- Put the main message in the first sentence. On social, many people scroll past in the first few seconds.
- Cut words before you speed up the read. If a script only fits at 180 words per minute, it's too long for the slot.
- Leave room for pauses. A pause before the key line and a beat for the logo at the end each take a second or two.
Questions
How many words is a 30-second script?
About 75 words at a normal pace of 150 words per minute. Allow 65 words for a slow, clear read and up to 85 for a fast one.
How many words is a 60-second script?
About 150 words at a normal pace. Allow 130 words for a slow read and up to 170 for a fast one.
How long does it take to say 1,000 words?
About 6 minutes 40 seconds at 150 words per minute. At a slow 130 words per minute it takes about 7 minutes 42 seconds, and at a fast 170 about 5 minutes 53 seconds.
What speaking rate should I plan a script at?
We plan scripts at 150 words per minute, a comfortable pace for most presenters. Most reads fall between 130 words per minute for a slow, clear delivery and 170 for a fast one.
Is my script sent anywhere?
No. The count runs in your browser. Nothing you paste is sent or saved.
Planning the shoot as well? Read how to plan a video shoot, and check the frame size for each platform in Social video sizes.